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As the most preferred health care provider in San Antonio, the community recognizes Methodist Healthcare for its outstanding team of nurses and doctors, health care professionals, equipment, facilities and services in San Antonio and 26 surrounding counties.

Risk Factors

Symptoms

Damage to the peripheral nerves often results in sensory and motor symptoms in the:

Arms

Legs

Hands

Feet

Other parts of the body can also be affected. Symptoms depend on which nerves are involved. They can range from mild to severe and may seem worse at night. Sensations and pain may occur in the upper or lower limbs and move toward the trunk, such as from the feet to the calves.

Your doctor may need to evaluate other family members for this condition.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include:

Treatment for the Underlying Illness or Exposure

Treating the underlying illness can decrease symptoms or make them go away. For instance, if it is caused by diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels may help. In some cases, neuropathy caused by medications or toxins is completely reversed when these substances are stopped or avoided. Correction of vitamin B12 deficiency often improves symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Certain exercises may help stretch shortened or contracted muscles and increase joint flexibility. In long-standing cases, splinting the joint may be required to protect and rest it, while maintaining proper alignment.

Orthotics, such as supports and braces, may help with:

Deformities

Balance issues

Muscle weakness

Maintaining physical activity is also important.

Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter pain medications are often used to ease discomfort.

Medications used to treat
depression
and prevent convulsions can
relieve neuropathy symptoms.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Diabetic neuropathies: The nerve damage of diabetes.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/index.aspx. Updated November 26, 2013. Accessed May 30, 2014.